Sao Paulo manager Autuori to skipper Kashima
December 29, 2005Brazilian Paulo Autuori, who skippered South American champions Sao Paulo to victory at the Club World Championship earlier this month in Japan, has reached a basic agreement to manage the Kashima Antlers next season, officials of the J-League first division team said Thursday. Team sources said Autuori has accepted a one-year contract to manage Kashima, pending contract agreements for his recommendations for a team coach and physical trainer.
Urawa win Battle of Saitama to set up Shimizu showdown
December 29, 2005Makoto Hasebe struck twice to fire Urawa Reds into the Emperor's Cup final as Guido Buchwald's men beat Omiya Ardija 4-2 after extra time Thursday and set up a New Year's Day showdown with Shimizu S-Pulse. Shimizu booked their place in the Japanese season's final match at Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday courtesy of Cho Jae Jin's 101st-minute header in the 1-0 win over Cerezo Osaka in Shizuoka.
Soccer: Zico interested in coaching in Europe
December 29, 2005Japan coach Zico spoke Wednesday of his interest in coaching in Europe after he steps down as national team boss after the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, but said he would not consider taking over at former club Flamengo in his native Brazil. ''In Brazil people are too concerned with the week-to-week results,'' the legendary former Brazil midfielder told Globo TV. ''I wouldn't even think about working at Flamengo.''